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So this guy was advertising his potential for extreme violence. And the FBI knew of it?

They’re too stupid to recognize those about to commit violence even when they scream their intentions to the heavens above.

We need to be extremely careful. First, we still have a 1st Amendment in this country and people have a right to say inflammatory things. I read it every day on here and I imagine you can read stuff like that on DU. You can’t have it both ways and hindsight is always 20/20.

Regardless of what they knew or didn’t know, and it’s certainly unclear, we should be careful about demanding action. People often say inflammatory things, but people rarely act on them. Do we want the FBI monitoring every comments section for news stories and acting immediately upon them? I don’t. That seems to be the insinuation by some in response to this story.

A slippery slope and we have all seen how each opposing administration can influence what is inflammatory and what is not. This man was full of hate, but there are many on every side of every issue that are full of hate. While often ignorant, it is not often a crime or an accurate predictor of a criminal act.

Turns out they didn't know about the call until after the killing. The Rabbi didn't report it at the time as there was no direct threat of violence, just ranting about Jews. Note my posts upthread. I don't disagree with your 1st amendment position. This wouldn't be an issue of FBI monitoring, rather the Rabbi reporting a threat. Which he didn't perceive, others might take his rant differently. If some ranted to me about filthy, kike parasites and war mongers - Hitler was right, should have come here and killed them, I'd be on my guard.

It's true they rarely act on them. But some do, and those who do, usually there are indicators in their background. Given the killers felony record and record of advocating violence, and the presumably extensive knowledge the FBI would have on a former informer, it would have been reasonable to follow up. In the absence of a complaint, nothing could be done.

Interesting question I'd like to see answered. How did a convicted felon obtain firearms. Specifically, was it due to the clear social security number the witness protection program provided him. If so, that's a problem.